Everyone was dismayed that Peter had died. A popular man, he had left Mary, his wife, strict instructions in his will for his wake to be a jolly and happy affair: a celebration of his life. To this end Peter had left $50,000 dollars in his will for the party.

As the guests caught their taxis at the end of the wake, Mary was asked by her close friend, Alice, if she thought that Peter would have been pleased. 'Well, I'm sure Peter would have been delighted,' Mary murmured.

'I'm sure you're right,' replied her friend, Alice, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. 'How much did all this really cost?'

'All of it,' said Mary, 'every penny of Fifty Thousand Dollars;

'What!' exclaimed Alice in a higher than normal voice, 'I mean, it was very nice, but $50,000

Mary took a deep breath and answered, 'Look, Alice, let me explain: the funeral cost $5000 I donated $1000 to the church. The wake, food and drinks were another $3000 The rest went on the memorial stone.'

Alice worked out the arithmetic in her head, 'He?' she exploded for a second time, $41,000 for a memorial stone? My goodness, how big is it?'